U.S. patent application number 12/269660 was filed with the patent office on 2009-05-14 for portable terminal.
Invention is credited to Chang-Il KIM, Jae-Gon LEE, Hyun-Seock SONG.
Application Number | 20090124306 12/269660 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40624206 |
Filed Date | 2009-05-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090124306 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KIM; Chang-Il ; et
al. |
May 14, 2009 |
PORTABLE TERMINAL
Abstract
A portable terminal is capable of enhancing a Hearing Aid
Compatibility (HAC) rating by having an arrangement to shift a peak
region of an electromagnetic field occurring at the time of a
wireless communication in a call mode, to a position far from a
measuring region.
Inventors: |
KIM; Chang-Il; (Gyeonggi-do,
KR) ; SONG; Hyun-Seock; (Seoul, KR) ; LEE;
Jae-Gon; (Seoul, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
PO BOX 747
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22040-0747
US
|
Family ID: |
40624206 |
Appl. No.: |
12/269660 |
Filed: |
November 12, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/575.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01Q 1/245 20130101;
H04M 2250/52 20130101; H04M 1/6041 20130101; H04M 1/0245 20130101;
H04M 1/72478 20210101; H01Q 1/243 20130101; H04B 1/3838 20130101;
H04M 2250/12 20130101; H04M 1/0235 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/575.1 |
International
Class: |
H04M 1/00 20060101
H04M001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 12, 2007 |
KR |
10-2007-0115087 |
Claims
1. A portable terminal, comprising: a body having an audio output
unit and an antenna forming an electromagnetic field; a peak shift
unit electrically connected to the antenna, for shifting a peak
region of the electromagnetic field to a position farther from the
audio output unit when the peak shift unit is activated than when
the peak shift unit is non-activated; and a controller configured
to place the portable terminal in a call mode when the peak shift
unit is activated.
2. The portable terminal of claim 1, wherein the peak shift unit
comprises a conductive member having one end connected to the
antenna, the conductive member being movable toward and away from
the antenna.
3. The portable terminal of claim 2, wherein the audio output unit
is located at one surface of the body, and the conductive member is
located at another surface of the body.
4. The portable terminal of claim 2, wherein the conductive member
is located at a sliding unit slidably mounted to the body.
5. The portable terminal of claim 4, wherein the sliding unit
covers a portion of a main surface of the body.
6. The portable terminal of claim 2, wherein the conductive member
is located at a rotating unit rotatably mounted to the body.
7. The portable terminal of claim 1, wherein the peak shift unit
includes a conductive bar detachably coupled to the antenna.
8. The portable terminal of claim 7, wherein the audio output unit
is located at one surface of the body, and the conductive bar is
configured to be located at another surface of the body.
9. The portable terminal of claim 1, wherein the body includes a
display for visually outputting information, and allowing
information to be input in a touch manner.
10. The portable terminal of claim 9, wherein in the call mode, the
display is in a status that numbers can be input thereon.
11. The portable terminal of claim 1, wherein when the peak shift
unit is activated while a call is incoming, the portable terminal
is operated in a call mode.
12. The portable terminal of claim 1, wherein the body further
includes an alarming unit configures to provide an indication when
the peak shift unit is not in the call mode.
13. A portable terminal, comprising: a first body having an audio
output unit and an antenna forming an electromagnetic field; a
second body movably attached to the first body for movement between
a non-extended position and an extended position, the second body
including a peak shift unit electrically connected to the antenna,
for shifting a peak region of the electromagnetic field to a
position farther from the audio output unit when the second body is
extended than when the second body is non-extended.
14. The portable terminal of claim 13, further comprising a
controller configured to place the portable terminal in a call mode
when the peak shift unit is extended.
15. The portable terminal of claim 13, wherein the peak shift unit
comprises a conductive member located at a sliding unit slidably
mounted to the body.
16. The portable terminal of claim 13, wherein the peak shift unit
comprises a conductive member located at a rotating unit rotatably
mounted to the body.
17. A portable terminal, comprising: a body having an audio output
unit and an antenna forming an electromagnetic field; and a
generally planar peak shift unit electrically connected to the
antenna, for shifting a peak region of the electromagnetic field to
a position farther from the audio output unit when the peak shift
unit is activated than when the peak shift unit is
non-activated.
18. The portable terminal of claim 17, further comprising a
controller configured to place the portable terminal in a call mode
when the peak shift unit is activated.
19. The portable terminal of claim 17, wherein the peak shift unit
comprises a conductive member located at a sliding unit slidably
mounted to the body.
20. The portable terminal of claim 17, wherein the peak shift unit
comprises a conductive member located at a rotating unit rotatably
mounted to the body.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present disclosure relates to subject matter contained
in priority Korean Application No. 10-2007-0115087, filed on Nov.
12, 2007, which is herein expressly incorporated by reference in
its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a portable terminal, and
more particularly, to a portable terminal having a means to shift
an electromagnetic wave emission region away from an audio output
unit so as to enhance a Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) rating.
[0004] 2. Background of the Invention
[0005] In general, a portable terminal serves as a portable device
having one or more functions such as enabling voice and video
calls, permitting information input/output, and providing data
storage.
[0006] As the portable terminal now provides many additional
services beside the basic call service, a user can capture photos
or moving images, reproduce music or moving image files, play
games, receive broadcasting programs, and so on. The portable
terminal is implemented as a multimedia player.
[0007] During wireless communication, an electromagnetic field
exists around the portable terminal. Various attempts are being
performed in order to minimize damage to a user's health due to the
electromagnetic field, or to minimize interference between the
portable terminal and an external device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Therefore, a first object of the present invention is to
provide a portable terminal capable of enhancing a Hearing Aid
Compatibility (HAC) rating.
[0009] A second object of the present invention is to provide a
portable terminal capable of enhancing a HAC rating even when there
is a difficulty in reducing a strength of a peak region of an
electromagnetic field.
[0010] A third object of the present invention is to provide a
portable terminal capable of simply enhancing a HAC rating by
positioning a peak region of an electromagnetic field far from a
measuring region.
[0011] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with
the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly
described herein, there is provided a portable terminal,
comprising: a body having an audio output unit and an antenna
forming an electromagnetic field; a peak shift unit electrically
connected to the antenna, for shifting a peak region of the
electromagnetic field to a position farther from the audio output
unit when the peak shift unit is activated than when the peak shift
unit is non-activated; and a controller configured to place the
portable terminal in a call mode when the peak shift unit is
activated.
[0012] The peak shift unit may be implemented as a conductive
member having one end connected to the antenna, the conductive
member being movable toward and away from the antenna.
[0013] The audio output unit may be mounted to the body so as to be
exposed out through one surface of the body, and the conductive
member may be formed at another surface facing the one surface.
[0014] The conductive member may be formed at a sliding unit
slidably mounted to the body.
[0015] The sliding unit may be formed so as to cover a portion of a
main surface of the body not adjacent to the conductive member.
[0016] The conductive member may be formed at a rotating unit
rotatably mounted to the body.
[0017] The peak shift unit may be implemented as a conductive bar
detachably coupled to the conductive unit so that the peak region
is moved, by a free end of the conductive bar, to a farther
position than the end region from the audio output unit.
[0018] The audio output unit may be mounted to the body so as to be
exposed out through one surface of the body, and the conductive bar
may be configured to be coupled to a portion proximate to another
surface facing the one surface.
[0019] The conductive unit may be implemented as a ground to which
the antenna is grounded.
[0020] The portable terminal may be operated in a call mode in
connection with an operation of the peak shift unit.
[0021] A current mode of the body is converted into a call mode
when the peak region is shifted by the peak shift unit.
[0022] The body includes a display for visually outputting
information and allowing information to be input thereon in a touch
manner, and, in the call mode, the display may be in a status that
numbers can be input thereon.
[0023] When the peak shift unit is operated while a call is
incoming, the portable terminal is operated in a call mode.
[0024] The body may include an alarming unit informing a user that
the peak shift unit is not operated when in the call mode.
Accordingly, a hearing aid wearer is provided with an indication in
order to avoid being exposed to undesirable circumstances.
[0025] The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and
advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from
the following detailed description of the present invention when
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention and together with the description serve to explain
the principles of the invention.
[0027] In the drawings:
[0028] FIG. 1 is a conceptual view to explain how to measure a
hearing aid compatibility (HAC) rating for a portable terminal;
[0029] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view showing a portable
terminal according to a first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0030] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view showing the portable
terminal according to a first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0031] FIG. 4 is a schematic longitudinal section view showing the
portable terminal of FIG. 3;
[0032] FIG. 5A is a conceptual view showing an E-field distribution
in a state where a peak shift unit is folded (unshifted);
[0033] FIG. 5B is a conceptual view showing an E-field distribution
in a state where the peak shift unit is unfolded (shifted);
[0034] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a peak shift unit
according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a peak shift unit
according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and
[0036] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the portable terminal of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0037] Description will now be given in detail of the present
invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0038] Hereinafter, a portable terminal according to the present
invention will be explained in more detail. The same reference
numerals will be given to the same or similar parts in different
embodiments, and their detailed explanation will be omitted.
[0039] The US Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) Act serves to test
and ensure compatibility between a wearer's hearing aid and a
portable terminal without interference with each other. The HAC Act
is being applied to manufacturers for wireless devices such as
hearing aids and portable terminals. The HAC Act was legislated by
the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). In the United States,
manufacturers of wireless devices are required to ensure
manufactured products for sales meet certain ratings.
[0040] A method for measuring a HAC rating of a portable terminal
will be explained with reference to FIG. 1.
[0041] A portable terminal (M) is fixed onto a supporting member,
and a strength of an electromagnetic wave in a call mode (when the
receiver is activated) is measured by a probe used to measure an
E-field or an H-field, or the like.
[0042] A measuring region (E) is a square-shaped region (5
cm.times.5 cm) formed based on the center of the audio output unit
(R), and corresponds to a region on a virtual plane in a space 1 cm
from the surface of the portable terminal (M). The measuring region
(E) is divided into 9 sub-regions (1-9) in the form of a grid.
[0043] In order to measure a HAC rating, electromagnetic waves of
the sub-regions (1-9) are measured, excluding the center sub-region
(5) and three sub-regions having relatively high field strengths of
electromagnetic waves. That is, a highest field strength of
electromagnetic waves measured with respect to the remaining five
sub-regions serves as a peak value to determine a HAC rating. As a
result, a rating labeled within a range including the peak value is
determined as a HAC rating of the portable terminal (M).
[0044] The HAC ratings are categorized into `M` ratings (M1 to M4,
`M4` is the best) with respect to radio frequency (RF)
interference, and `T` ratings (T1 to T4: `T4` is the best) with
respect to an inductive coupling. Since the `M` ratings are more
dominant than the `T` ratings, a method for enhancing the `M`
ratings will be explained in more detail.
[0045] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view showing a portable
terminal according to a first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0046] A body of the portable terminal includes a case (casing,
housing, cover, or the like) that forms an external appearance of
the portable terminal. The portable terminal according to the
present invention is not limited to the bar-type portable terminal
shown in FIG. 2, but may be applied to various types such as a
slide type, a folder type, a swing type, or the like.
[0047] The case may be divided into a front case 11 and a rear case
21. Various electronic components are mounted in a space formed by
the front case 11 and the rear case 21. One or more intermediate
cases may be arranged between the front case 11 and the rear case
21. The front and rear cases 11 and 21 may be formed by
injection-molding synthetic resin, or formed using metallic
material such as stainless steel (STS), or titanium (Ti).
[0048] The front case 11 may include a first user input unit 12, a
display 13, a first audio output unit 14, a first video input unit
15, an audio input unit 16, or the like.
[0049] The first user input unit 12 receives commands to control
the operation of the portable terminal.
[0050] The display 13 for visually displaying information may
include a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), an Organic Light Emitting
Diodes (OLED) display, or the like. The display 13 may further
include a touch screen through which a user can input information
in a touch manner.
[0051] The first audio output unit 14 outputs sound such as another
party's voice, and is sometimes referred to as a `receiver`.
[0052] The first video input unit 15 may be implemented as a camera
module to capture a user's still or moving images.
[0053] The audio input unit 16 may be implemented as a microphone
to receive a user's voice or other sound, or the like.
[0054] A power supplying unit 22, a broadcasting signal receiving
antenna 23, a second user input unit 24, an interface 25, or the
like, may be disposed at the rear case 21 mounted to a rear surface
of the portable terminal.
[0055] The power supplying unit 22 is mounted to the rear case 21,
and supplies power to the portable terminal. The power supplying
unit 22 may be implemented as a rechargeable battery, and may be
detachably mounted to the outside of the portable terminal.
[0056] A broadcast signal receiving antenna 23 may be disposed at
one side of the rear case 21, in addition to an antenna 17 for
communications. The antenna 23 may be configured to retract into
the rear case 21.
[0057] The second user input unit 24 may be installed on a side
surface of the rear case 21. The first user input unit 12 and the
second user input unit 24 may be referred to as `manipulating
units`, and any types of user input units that can input
information in a tactile manner may be implemented. The user input
units may be implemented as dome switches or a touch screen, or a
touch pad that can receive commands or information in a user's push
or touch manner, or may be implemented as jog wheels and jog
switches.
[0058] The first user input unit 12 may serve to input various
commands such as numbers or text messages, or symbols, or such as
start, stop, and scroll commands. The second user input unit 24 may
serve as hot keys to perform a specific function to activate the
first video input unit 15, as well as a scroll function.
[0059] The interface 25 may serve as a passage through which the
portable terminal of the present invention can exchange data with
external devices. The interface 25 may be implemented by wire or by
radio, and may include one of an access port to an earphone, a
short-range communication port (e.g., IrDA port), a Bluetooth port,
a wireless LAN port, and a power supply port for supplying power to
the portable terminal. The interface 25 may be a card socket for
receiving an external card such as a subscriber identification
module (SIM), a User Identification Module (UIM), and a memory card
for storing information.
[0060] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view showing the portable
terminal of FIG. 2.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 3, a second audio output unit 26 and a
second video input unit 27 may be additionally disposed at the rear
case 21.
[0062] The second audio output unit 26 may cooperate with the first
audio output unit 14 (refer to FIG. 2) to provide stereo output.
Also, the second audio output unit 26 may be configured to operate
as a speakerphone. In this case, the second audio output unit 26
may also be referred to as `receiver`, like the first audio output
unit 14.
[0063] The second video input unit 27 faces a direction opposite to
that faced by the first video input unit 15 (refer to FIG. 2). And,
the second video input unit 27 may be a camera having capabilities
different from those of the first video input unit 15. The first
video input unit 15 may operate with a relatively lower resolution
so that a user's face captured during a video conference can be
directly transmitted to another party. On the contrary, the second
video input unit 27 may operate with a relatively higher resolution
since a captured image is not directly transmitted to another
party.
[0064] A flash 28 and a mirror 29 are additionally arranged near
the second video input unit 27. The flash 28 provides light to a
subject to be captured by the second video input unit 27, and the
mirror 29 is useful for assisting a user to position the second
video input unit 27 in a self-portrait mode.
[0065] So far, it was explained that the first user input unit 12
was mounted to the front case 11, whereas the second user input
unit 24 was mounted to the rear case 21. However, the second user
input unit 24 may be disposed at the front case 11 so as to be
adjacent to the first user input unit 12. If the second video input
unit 27 is not provided, the first video input unit 15 may be
rotatably mounted to capture images that would have been captured
by the second video input unit 27 if it were present.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 4, which is a schematic longitudinal
section view of FIG. 3, and referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a peak
shift unit 100 is movably coupled to the body of the portable
terminal. The peak shift unit 100 may be configured to cover a part
of the body. The peak shift unit 100 is configured so that a
conductive member can be shifted far from the audio output unit 14
when the audio output unit 14 is activated. A conductive unit, e.g.
a ground 18, is electrically connected to the antenna 17 inside the
body, and may form a peak region (a region having a peak value) of
an E-field occurring due to an electromagnetic wave emission at an
end region 18' of the ground 18. FIG. 2 is a view showing a state
before the peak shift unit 100 is folded (not deployed), and FIG. 3
is a view showing a state after the peak shift unit 100 is unfolded
(deployed).
[0067] The peak shift unit 100 includes a conductive member 110
that is movable far from the audio output unit 14, in an
electrically-connected state to the end region 18'. In order to
move the conductive member 110, the peak shift unit 100 may further
include a sliding unit 120 slidably coupled to the body along a
sliding direction (S). The conductive member 110 disposed at the
sliding unit 120 is electrically connected to the ground 18 by a
contact pin 115 even during a sliding motion.
[0068] A front region 121 of the sliding unit 120 covers the front
case 11, whereas a rear region 122 of the sliding unit 120 covers
the rear case 21. The front region 121 may serve as a region
through which a user manipulates the sliding unit 120 in a sliding
manner.
[0069] Preferably, the conductive member 110 is formed at the rear
region 122 of the sliding unit 120, and is disposed far from the
audio output unit 14 exposed through the front case 11. The reason
is in order to minimize influence of a free end of the conductive
member 110 on the measuring region (E), by positioning the free end
far from the measuring region (E, refer to FIG. 1) along a
thickness direction of the portable terminal. Here, the free end
serves as a new end region that is connected to the ground 18 and
emitting an electromagnetic wave.
[0070] FIG. 5A is a conceptual view showing an E-field distribution
in a state where the peak shift unit 100 is folded (not shifted),
and FIG. 5B is a conceptual view showing an E-field distribution is
a state where the peak shift unit 100 is unfolded (shifted).
[0071] As shown in FIG. 5A (also refer to FIG. 2), an E-field has a
relatively high strength at the sub-regions 2, 3, 5, 6, 8 and 9
near the audio output unit 14. Also, the E-field has a strength
higher than a certain level at the sub-regions 1, 3, 4, 7 and 9
excluding the center sub-region 5, and excluding the three
sub-regions 2, 6, and 8 having a relatively high E-field strength.
As a result, a low HAC rating, e.g., `M2` may be implemented.
[0072] In a non-call mode, it is preferable not to deploy the peak
shift unit 100 in spite of a low HAC rating, because a wearer's
hearing aid is not directly influenced by the portable terminal.
This allows the portable terminal to have a compact configuration
and an enhanced portable characteristic.
[0073] When the peak shift unit 100 is unfolded by sliding away
from the body (refer to FIGS. 3 and 4), electromagnetic wave
emission mainly occurs at the free end of the conductive member 110
connected to the end region 18', rather than the end region 18' of
the ground 18.
[0074] In this case, as shown in FIG. 5B, the sub-regions having a
high E-field strength are shifted to the sub-regions 3, 6 and 9 of
the measuring region (E). As a result, once the center sub-region 5
and the upper sub-regions 3, 6 and 9 are excluded, there scarcely
exist the sub-regions having a high E-field strength.
[0075] Accordingly, the E-field by the other sub-regions 1, 2, 4, 7
and 8 has a peak value smaller than that when the peak shift unit
100 is folded. As a result, when the peak shift unit 100 is
unfolded by a sliding motion, a HAC rating higher than that when
the peak shift unit 100 is folded, e.g., `M3` or `M4`, may be
obtained.
[0076] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a peak shift unit
according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0077] Referring to FIG. 6, a peak shift unit 200 includes a
conductive member 210 electrically connected to the conductive unit
18 (refer to FIG. 4), and unfolded by being rotated far from the
audio output unit 14.
[0078] In order to open the peak shift unit 200, the peak shift
unit 200 may be coupled to the body by a rotation shaft 221 so as
to be rotatable in one direction (R), and may include a rotation
unit 220 where the conductive member 210 is formed. Here, the
rotation unit 220 is preferably formed at the rear case 21 rather
than the front case 11, so that an electromagnetic field can be
formed at a position far from the measuring region (E) in a
thickness direction of the portable terminal.
[0079] As a user manipulates the rotation unit 220 in the direction
(R), the rotation unit 220 can be rotated. Here, the user can more
conveniently manipulate the rotation unit 220 by applying a spring
to the rotation shaft 221, or by applying a cam unit used for a
hinge portion of a folder-type portable terminal.
[0080] In this embodiment, when the peak shift unit 200 connected
to the conductive unit is unfolded so as to be spaced from the
audio output unit 14, regions having a high `E`-field are shifted
to the upper sub-regions of the measuring region (E). As a result,
a HAC rating is enhanced when the peak shift unit 200 is unfolded,
rather than when the peak shift unit 200 is folded.
[0081] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a peak shift unit 300
according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
[0082] Referring to FIG. 7, the peak shift unit 300 may be
implemented as a conductive bar 310 detachably coupled to the body.
The conductive bar 310 may be an entirely-conductive member, or may
be a member composed of an inner conductive material, and an outer
non-conductive material that covers the inner conductive
material.
[0083] A socket 320 may be mounted to the body so as to couple one
end of the conductive bar 310. The socket 320 is electrically
connected to the end region 18' of the conductive unit 18 (refer to
FIG. 4).
[0084] Here, the socket 320 is preferably formed at the rear case
21 rather than the front case 11, so that a high electromagnetic
field formed at the free end of the conductive bar 310 can be
spaced from the measuring region (E) in a thickness direction of
the portable terminal.
[0085] When the conductive bar 310 is mounted to the body,
electromagnetic waves occurring from operation of the antenna 17
form a relatively high electromagnetic field at the free end of the
conductive bar 310, rather than the end region 18' of the
conductive unit 18.
[0086] As a result, a high `E`-field is formed at the free end of
the conductive bar 310 far from the audio output unit 14, rather
than the end region 18' adjacent to the audio output unit 14.
Accordingly, when the conductive bar 310 is mounted to the body, a
HAC rating may be enhanced like in the aforementioned
embodiments.
[0087] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the portable terminal
according to the present invention.
[0088] Referring to FIG. 8, the portable terminal according to the
present invention comprises a wireless communication module 41,
user input units 12 and 24, video input units 15 and 27, an audio
input unit 16, a display 13, audio output units 14 and 26, a
sensing unit 46, an interface 25, a broadcasting signal receiving
module 45, a memory 44, a power supplying unit 22, and a controller
40.
[0089] The controller 40 controls an entire operation of the
portable terminal. For instance, the controller 40 performs
controls and processes relating to voice communication, data
communication, video communication, or the like. The controller 40
controls the operation of the portable terminal relating to the
present invention as well as the general functions.
[0090] The wireless communication module 41 transmits/receives
wireless signals to/from a base station through an antenna. For
instance, the wireless communication module 141 transmits/receives
voice data, text data, image data, and control data under control
of the controller 40. The wireless communication module 41 includes
a transmitting unit 42 for transmitting signals after a modulation
process, and a receiving unit 43 for demodulating received
signals.
[0091] The manipulating units 12 and 24 have a configuration shown
in FIG. 1, and provide, to the controller 40, key input data input
by a user so as to control the operation of the portable terminal.
The manipulating units 12 and 24 are composed of dome switches,
touch pad (static pressure/capacitance), jog wheels, jog switches,
or the like.
[0092] Video input units 15 and 27 process image frames such as
still images or moving images captured by an image sensor in a
video-call mode or a capturing mode. Then, the processed image
frames are converted to image data that can be displayed on the
display 13.
[0093] Image frames processed by the video input units 15 and 27
are stored in the memory 44 under control of the controller 40, or
are transmitted to outside of the portable terminal through the
wireless communication module 41.
[0094] The audio input unit 16 receives an external audio signal
through a microphone in a call mode, or a recording mode, or a
voice recognition mode, or the like, and then processes the
received signal into electric voice data. In the case of a call
mode, the processed voice data is converted into data that can be
transmitted to the base station through the wireless communication
module 41, and then is output to the wireless communication module
41. In the case of a recording mode, the processed voice data is
output so as to be stored in the memory 44. The audio input unit 16
may include assorted noise removing algorithms to remove noise
occurring while receiving the external audio signal.
[0095] The display 13 may output information processed in the
portable terminal. For example, when the portable terminal is
operating in a phone call mode, the display 13 will provide a User
Interface (UI) or a Graphic User Interface (GUI) which includes
information associated with the call. As another example, if the
portable terminal is in a video call mode or a capturing mode, the
display 13 may additionally or alternatively display captured
images, or the UI, or the GUI under control of the controller 40.
In the case that the display 13 includes a touch screen, the
display 13 may be used as an input device as well as an output
device.
[0096] In a call signal reception mode, a communication mode or a
recording mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcasting signal
reception mode, or the like, the audio output units 14 and 26
convert audio data received from the wireless communication module
41, or audio data stored in the memory 44, under control of the
controller 40. Then, the audio output units 14 and 26 output the
converted data to outside.
[0097] The audio output units 14 and 26 output audio signals
relating to functions performed in the portable terminal, such as
sound indicating a call signal reception, or sound indicating a
message reception. The audio output units 14 and 26 include a
speaker, a receiver, a buzzer, and so on.
[0098] The sensing unit 46 senses a current status of the portable
terminal such as an open/close status of the portable terminal, a
position of the portable terminal, or whether a user has contacted
the portable terminal, thereby generating sensing signals to
control the operation of the portable terminal. For instance, when
the portable terminal is implemented as a slide phone, the sensing
unit 46 senses whether the slide phone has been opened or not, and
outputs a result of the sensing to thereby control the operation of
the portable terminal. Furthermore, the sensing unit 46 performs
sensing functions relating to whether power has been supplied from
the power supplying unit 22, or whether the interface 25 has been
coupled to an external device, or the like.
[0099] The interface 25 interfaces a wire/wireless headset, an
external charger, a wire/wireless data port, a card socket (e.g.,
memory card, SIM/UIM card), or the like, with any types of external
devices connected to the portable terminal. The interface 25
transmits data or power received from external devices, to each
component in the portable terminal, or transmits data in the
portable terminal to the external devices.
[0100] The memory 44 may store programs to be processed and
controlled by the controller 40, or may temporarily store
input/output data (e.g., phonebook, messages, still images, moving
images, or the like). The memory 44 may store programs to control
the operation of the portable terminal according to the present
invention. The memory 44 may be implemented using any type of
suitable storage medium including a flash memory type, a hard disk
type, a multimedia card micro type, a memory card type (e.g., SD or
DX memory), Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), or
the like.
[0101] The broadcasting signal receiving module 45 receives
broadcasting signals transmitted through satellite or terrestrial
wave, and then converts the signals to broadcasting data that can
be output to the audio output units 14 and 26, and the display 13,
thereby outputting the broadcasting data to the controller 40. The
broadcasting signal receiving module 45 receives
broadcasting-related additional data (e.g., Electric Program Guide:
EPG, channel list, or the like). Broadcasting data and additional
data converted by the broadcasting signal receiving module 45 may
be stored in the memory 44.
[0102] The power supplying unit 22 receives internal or external
power, and supplies the power to each component of the portable
terminal under control of the controller 40.
[0103] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 8, the portable terminal may operate
in a call mode in connection with the respective operations of the
peak shift units 100, 200 and 300.
[0104] According to the present invention, when the peak shift
units 100, 200 and 300 are operated (i.e., when the peak shift
units 100 and 200 are unfolded from the audio output unit 14 by
sliding or rotating, and when the peak shift unit 300 is mounted to
the body), the controller 40 may convert the current mode of the
portable terminal into a call mode. For this, sensors to sense the
operation of the peak shift units 100, 200 and 300 may be mounted
to the body.
[0105] A hearing aid wearer may receive a call from another party
by operating the peak shift units 100, 200 and 300. More
specifically, the hearing aid wearer may execute a received call by
sliding the peak shift unit 100. As a result, the hearing aid
wearer can simply start to perform a call without interference
between the portable terminal and his or her hearing aid.
[0106] When attempting to perform a call, the peak shift units 100,
200 and 300 may be operated when the portable terminal is in a
standby status. In this case, the controller 40 may control numbers
to be displayed on the display 13 that displays information input
in a touch manner, and a user may input another party's phone
number by touching the displayed numbers.
[0107] In the present invention, the portable terminal may further
comprise an alarming unit 40' informing a user that the peak shift
units 100, 200 and 300 have not been operated, at the time of
performing a call mode, or at the time of converting the current
mode into a call mode.
[0108] For instance, when a user attempts to press a call button in
a state where the peak shift unit 300 has not been mounted to the
body, the alarming unit 40' may output a message to the user
through the display 13 or the audio output units 14 and 26.
[0109] Furthermore, even while a call is incoming, the alarming
unit 40' may inform a user that the peak shift unit 300 has not
been mounted to the body.
[0110] The alarming unit 40' may be selectively operated, only when
a hearing aid wearer sets a high HAC rating through a menu, or the
like.
[0111] The portable terminal according to the present invention has
the following effects.
[0112] Firstly, the end region of the conductive portion where the
peak region is formed due to electric wave emission in a call mode,
may be configured to shift to a position far from the audio output
unit, by the peak shift unit. Accordingly, a HAC rating measured
centering around the audio output unit may be enhanced.
[0113] Secondly, even when a strength of the peak region is not
directly controlled, the HAC rating may be enhanced.
[0114] Thirdly, the peak shift unit may be operated only in a call
mode, whereas the peak shift unit may be restored to the original
position in a non-call mode, thereby allowing the portable terminal
to always implement a portable characteristic.
[0115] The foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely
exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the present
disclosure. The present teachings can be readily applied to other
types of apparatuses. This description is intended to be
illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims. Many
alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to
those skilled in the art. The features, structures, methods, and
other characteristics of the exemplary embodiments described herein
may be combined in various ways to obtain additional and/or
alternative exemplary embodiments.
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